It was then felt that the first flag was too small and not secured properly. A second flag raising by another contingent of Marines was called for and the deed accomplished. This is the world-famous photo as taken by Joe Rosenthal.

Not only was the flag larger and secured better, but the photo of the 2nd raising was said to be more aesthetically pleasing. This has become the iconic photo of WW2 for Americans.

[in the John Wayne movie, "Sands of Iwo Jima", the flag raising episode is at the very end of the movie. The scene in the movie seems to be a composite of the two flag raisings.]

"Sgt. Stryker calls for a squad to raise a flag. Watching from behind Stryker, we see three young men squat down in front of him. Stryker hands them an American flag and directs them to climb to the top of Mt. Suribachi and raise it. The three men playing the roles as themselves are: PFC Rene A. Gagnon, USMC; PFC Ira H. Hayes, USMC; and, PH3 John H. Bradley, USN -- three of the five original famous flag raisers captured on film in the famous scene atop Mt. Suribachi"

This world-famous image of the U.S. Marines in action has been put to other uses lately. Versions of the Suribachi flag raising have been used recently as part of a cartoon "reprisal" carried out by the Iranian government. A "reprisal" in response to the "Muhammad" cartoons published by the Danish newspaper. A contest to poke fun and biting satire at the U.S., Israel, and Jews in general. Centering on the slaughter of 6 million Jews in WW2.

[The Iranian is trying to say to the west, "don't make fun of what is sacred to us, and we will not make fun of what is sacred to you!!"]

These cartoon versions of the Suribachi flag raising are meant to be biting, spiteful, and yet, insightful, as seen by the cartoonist. Make a point.

You judge for yourself!!

The Marines are in this cartoon raising the flag of "freedom", but are doing so atop a mountain of HUMAN SKULLS!!

Here the British are also raising their flag, along with the American, and an Israeli is running to also plant his flag on the same spot. ALL done atop another mountain of HUMAN SKULLS!!

[theIranian cartoon contest has some really well done cartoons as part of the "exhibit". I recommend you look at them. They do make you think, whether you agree or not, or like them or not!! But that is the purpose, CORRECT!!]

And after looking at the Iranian web site, NO rioting or burning down an embassy or two either!! You hear me??!!